November 14, 2013

Carlisle puts LeBron in Top 5 all-time

MIAMI – If it’s the Miami Heat next up on the docket for the Dallas Mavericks, that means it’s time to try and deal with LeBron James.

Asked after Thursday’s practice what holes, if any, does James has in his game that the Mavs can possibly exploit, coach Rick Carlisle paused and said: “I don’t see any. He’s playing all five positions.

“He’s probably the first guy we’ve seen play point-center other than Magic Johnson in 1980 in the Finals. So really, in all honesty we’re looking at one of the top five players in the history of the game, so dealing with that challenge is going to be lofty with any team, but we’ve got to do it collectively.’’

The Mavs (5-3) meet the Heat (5-3) at 6:30 p.m. Friday at American Airlines Arena.